Thread by @askdrfitz

This thread is for all those people #traveling stuck in #airports with ruined #holiday plans. I am a seasoned global traveler who has encountered almost every ridiculously inconvenient #travel scenario. A few tips I wish I'd had as a less seasoned traveler 1/

1. Take a few minutes and have a meltdown. Cry, yell/scream into your blanket or coat. Let out the rage then stop. Take 5 to 10 deep breaths and remember people unexpectedly died today or this week. It's better to be unimaginably inconvenienced than gone. 2/

2. Please do not yell at the counter agents. They are in unimaginable pain & stress. Some aren't equipped to handle it. Everyone is dealing with something @ home & @ work. Do it for them to be unlike the 1000s of others who won't heed this advice & take out their rage on them. 3/

3. Try not to worry re: your #luggage. I know- your favorite shirt was in there. You may or may not ever see it again. Hopefully everything is replaceable. It is inconvenient but your first priority is to find a way to a destination, even a diff one. Solve that first. 4/

4. If you made a mistake and put something unreplacable in your checked bag, take a few minutes to mourn it's loss and refocus. How do you get to where you're going? Do you need to change your destination? Be open. 5/

5. Make friends in the airport. You'll feel better. Commiserate then problem solve. Smile at each other and tell jokes. Laugh at how ridiculous and unbelievable the situation is.

6. If you have a medical condition and do not have enough medication to take your journey or can't get a refill at your destination, consider going back home. BTW, don't skip meds to stretch the supply unless that's what your doctor told you to do. 6/

7. If your mobile device runs out of juice, see #5 or go make a friend in the airport. Someone will help you. That goes for money and food too. This is not a time to lead with ego. Thousands of others are in your shoes. 7/

8. Times like this require a change in perspective. Remember this is a temporary situation. I've had so many of these happen to me but I only remember one. I was stranded in the aiport in Kenya. But I eventually made it home and am writing this thread. 🙂. 9

9. I know it is bad, unconscionable & infuriating. Your holiday plans were ruined but you now have a story to tell. You also survived a pandemic. What are you learning? How has this experience changed your life? Your perspectives? Good luck and happy holidays! End
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